ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi chaired the 6th Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) in Islamabad. The high-level gathering was attended by the Minister of Science, Research and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossein Simaei Sarraf, along with Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch, ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan, and ECOSF President Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi. Executive Director Ghulam Muhammad Memon and various regional delegates also participated both in-person and virtually to discuss the importance of scientific innovation within Muslim nations.

Advancing Regional Innovation and Scientific Collaboration

Welcoming the delegates, Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi stated that Pakistan is honoured to host the 6th Meeting of the Board of Trustees. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting ECOSF as a primary regional platform for scientific excellence, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Minister Magsi highlighted that the collective resolve of ECO member states is vital to leveraging science, technology, and innovation as drivers of sustainable economic prosperity. He noted that while the region boasts significant potential through its youthful population and rich natural resources, it simultaneously grapples with challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and water insecurity, which necessitate unified, cross-border action.

Strategic Investment in STEM and Regional Sustainability

The Federal Minister emphasized that investments in STEM education and robust innovation ecosystems are essential for enhancing industrial productivity. He praised the ECOSF for its ongoing contributions to technical advisory services and scientific networking. Echoing these sentiments, Hossein Simaei Sarraf, the Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology, underscored the necessity of deepening scientific ties. He committed to Iran’s active participation in addressing the Foundation’s financial challenges, ensuring its long-term operational success.

Strengthening Institutional Governance and Financial Ownership

Minister Magsi called for greater regional ownership, urging member states that have not yet ratified the ECOSF Charter and its Additional Protocol to finalize their domestic legal procedures. He stressed that timely financial contributions from member states are critical for the implementation of high-impact regional initiatives. Concluding the session, Minister Magsi expressed confidence that a revitalized ECOSF would serve as a major catalyst for innovation, ultimately benefiting all participating nations through stronger, more dynamic scientific partnerships.